WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has reportedly metastasized to his bones, according to a statement released by his personal office on Thursday.
The announcement comes amid renewed concerns over the health of the former president, whose age and medical condition were closely scrutinized during his time in office and the most recent presidential campaign.
Biden is currently resting at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, while he and his family review treatment options with a team of doctors. The statement revealed that Biden underwent a follow-up medical examination last week after experiencing worsening urinary symptoms.
“On Friday, President Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer, classified as Grade Group 5 with a Gleason score of 9, and signs of metastasis to the bone,” the statement read.
Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, doctors said the disease appears to be hormone-sensitive, offering a potentially effective treatment path forward.
The diagnosis comes just days after Biden’s spokesperson confirmed that he had undergone tests following the discovery of “small nodules” on his prostate.
During his administration, Biden’s health was a recurring subject of public debate, especially after his underwhelming performance in a televised debate against Donald Trump in June 2024, which led to intensified scrutiny over his cognitive and physical abilities.
In February 2024, Biden had undergone a routine health checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. His personal physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, at the time reported no new health concerns and declared Biden “fit for duty.”
The latest diagnosis adds another chapter to a presidency marked by historic firsts and personal challenges. Biden, the oldest person ever elected President of the United States, served from 2021 to 2025. He announced in July 2024 that he would not seek re-election, following widespread concern over his debate performance.
His withdrawal led to Vice President Kamala Harris taking over the Democratic ticket. However, she was defeated by Republican challenger Donald Trump in the November 2024 election.
In a rare moment of bipartisanship, Trump and his wife, Melania, offered their support to the Biden family via a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear of Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We send our best wishes and prayers to his wife, Jill, and the entire Biden family, and we hope Joe makes a swift and successful recovery,” Trump wrote.
In a post on X, Barack Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017 with Joe Biden as his vice president, said that he and his wife Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family.”
“No one has done more to push for breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I know he’ll face this challenge with his trademark determination and grace. We’re praying for a full and speedy recovery,” Obama said.
Vice President Harris also expressed her support, calling Biden “a fighter.”
“I know he will keep fighting and pushing through. We all hope for his speedy recovery,” she said. -MalayaDailyToday
